TOYOTA COROLLA 5D LIFTBACK (1991-1994)
AN attractive car with silky smooth, twin cam, 1.6-litre, fuel- injected engine and choice of four-speed auto or five-speed manual driving the front wheels. Toyota reliability and a popular used car buy. Power steering and radio/cassette player standard.

RENAULT 19 5D HATCHBACK (1991-1997)
A EUROPEAN interloper in a Japan dominated class. Although 1.7- litres, the performance is disappointing, as is the flair-free styling, but the ride and handling are very good. Well appointed with central locking, power steering and power windows standard, the 19's parts and servicing can be expensive.

MITSUBISHI CC LANCER 5D HATCHBACK (1992-1996)
THE usual formula of 1.6-litre, 16-valve, fuel-injected engine driving the front wheels through five on the floor or four-speed auto. Well engineered and assembled, good road performance and reliability. Power mirrors, power steering and a four-speaker sound system.

MAZDA 323 5D HATCHBACK (1989-1994)
THIS has the largest engine in the class - a 1.8-litre, multi- point fuel-injected, 16-valve giving excellent torque and performance. Ride and handling match the engine's refinement and the car is very well finished. Central locking, power steering and radio/cassette are standard.